Help for an aspiring sailor

[Dave]

Hello everyone!I've had a few opportunities to be out on a sailboat, but am still very novice. I've really had no experience handling a boat, just watching someone else do it. I understand at least the basic concepts, and have just picked up the 'Sailing Fundamentals' book, which was recommended as a great starting place for knowledge.I'm starting on an information gathering campaign, with the eventual goal of purchasing my first boat. I have had a recommendation that a Catalina 22 is a good boat to start with, which led me to this site.I guess what I'm looking for is information that will help me sort out what all the different info I'm seeing is. For example, I've seen Catalina 22, and also, seen reference to a Catalina MKII, as well as some other boats. Can anyone offer good advice on the sea of information out there (no pun intended), that will allow it to be not quite so overwhelming to all take in at once?Any and all advice to this novice would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to contact me directly, my e-mail is garorm@cox.net

 

[Shane]

Start with lessons first

then evaluate what kind sailing you want to do. I started with dingy sailing and wind surfing. It realy helped when it came to bigger boats. I am more of a day/weekend sailor so the c22 was a perfect boat for me. I still havn't got rid of my c15 yet though.Shane.

 

[Robert B.]

Take your time

The C22 is a good first boat. I started with the C22 MkII. But as Shane said, it depends on the type of sailing you want to do. Taking lessons is good advice and go visit local marinias. Ask questions, get to know the locals and their boats. Once you have devloped a sailing goal (i.e. racing, cruising, daysailing) you can make a better decision on the best boat to meet your needs. Good Luck!

 

[Skip]

Small boats first

The best thing you can do is to find out as much info as you can. Read, read, read and read more. This will not really teach you how to sail, that is a practical hands on process like riding a bike, but it will help with the lingo, terms and parts of the boat which will help alot.Go out and meet people. Go to your local marinas on a nice sunny spring day talk to people. Boaters are big talkers and love to tell about there experiences both good and bad. Let them know that you are interested in learning more and have and interest in buying a boat. This will do three things: 1) May get you invited out sailing 2) All boat owners know of good boats for sail 3) At least get a friend and free beer.Have fun and as the others have suggested decide what you are going to use a boat for so you don't buy the wrong boat.Good luckSkipIf you have andy specific questions drop me a note.Love2sail@attbi.com